Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has expressed his belief that this afternoon's clash with Everton will make for a "very interesting game" due to the sides' similar styles.

Van Gaal welcomes Roberto Martinez and co to Old Trafford as United look to pick up their second straight home victory after beating West Ham United last weekend.

Indeed, Everton certainly know what it takes to beat the Red Devils after they achieved the double over them last season, a fact that has Van Gaal wary over his team's chances of back-to-back wins.

"I have to say that I like Everton because they want to play football like I want to play football. It shall be a very interesting game," he told reporters.

"I know Manchester United lost to them twice last year so they're a difficult opponent.

"I hope we can dominate the game but they want to dominate the game also. They are more allowed to play on the counter than we are so that's also the difficulty."

Kickoff later today is scheduled for 12pm.